Seemed Like a Good Idea

I've had this shawl for a dozen years, I think. My mom got it from a friend who went to India (probably someone visiting family). It's in my favorite color combination. It's a lightweight wool & very soft. But don't wear scarves very often, plus this one is huge -- very wide & long.

I often thought it would make a great shawl with a Regency costume, except that's my least-favorite historical era (though I have read all of Jane Austen's books & seen most every film adaption). Empire-waist dresses are just so unflattering on me.

What to do with this beautiful shawl then? It's been languishing in a drawer, & I've worn it perhaps twice. Then I saw all these great belted scarf looks on fashion blogs, like A. on Academichic, who has made it her signature style. Maybe that would make this shawl thing work ... & it did, at least for photos!

But all day, the shawl slipped around out of the belt as I moved my arms (& I sit at a computer, it's not like I'm doing jumping-jacks). It was just too fussy. This might be fine for, say, an evening out or a party -- basically, a few hours of an event where I won't be annoyed by it very long (or I'd have a cocktail to distract me). Not great for workdays.

What I'm wearing:
Black knit long-sleeve dress, Newport News
Black & burgundy wool Indian shawl, gift from my mom
Black elastic belt with leather ruffle detail, NY & Co.
Black tights, Calvin Klein
Black Indigo pumps, Clarks
Silver filigree pendant necklace, vintage Avon
Silver hoop earrings, random accessory store
Cabernet lipstick, Tarte
Raving Egotist eyeshadow (named after me! but discontinued), Amphigory